Panama declares a state of national emergency due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon
The Government of Panama has formally decreed a state of national emergency with the objective of addressing the severe consequences derived from the El Niño climate phenomenon. This strategic measure, approved by the Cabinet Council, seeks to strengthen the state’s response capacity in the face of a climate instability scenario that, according to forecasts, will extend until March 2027.
Impact on the population and the territory
The current situation presents a worrying duality: while some areas suffer the ravages of floods, others are preparing to face a prolonged drought. According to official data, since the beginning of 2026, intense rains have affected more than 15,600 people, concentrating mainly in the provinces of Bocas del Toro and Colón, as well as in the Ngäbe Buglé and Naso Tjër Di regions.
On the other hand, the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) has raised alarms regarding water stress. Currently, 11 river basins are reporting critical levels, a condition that threatens to worsen until May of next year due to high temperatures and a lack of rainfall.
The goal is to act preventively and ensure that institutions are prepared to serve the population in the face of critical scenarios ranging from floods and landslides to water shortages.
Dinoska Montalvo, Minister of GovernmentChallenges for the Panama Canal and energy
One of the points of greatest vulnerability is the Panama Canal. Given the low availability of water in lakes and reservoirs such as Bayano, the administration of the interoceanic waterway has taken restrictive measures, limiting the daily transit of vessels to 32 units, below the usual average of 36. This decision seeks to optimize water resources, which are essential both for international trade and for the country’s hydroelectric power generation.
Interinstitutional measures and coordination
- Resource mobilization: The declaration allows for the streamlining of fund and tool allocation for immediate response.
- State coordination: Communication between institutions is strengthened to safeguard citizen safety and the protection of assets.
- Constant monitoring: Authorities urge citizens to remain attentive to official reports from the IMHPA.
The Government of Panama reaffirms its commitment to mitigating the risks derived from the climate crisis, prioritizing the sustainability of energy resources and the stability of the logistical operations that sustain the national economy.
